Former five-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion Adam Pearce has commented that he as a “less than zero” interest in becoming a full-time wrestler ever again.
After a long and successful career which took him all across the globe, Pearce retired from in-ring competition in August 2014, following a defeat to Adam Page at ROH Death Before Dishonor XII.
Since stepping away from active competition Pearce has worked backstage with WWE as a trainer and producer. In more recent times Pearce has taken up the role of a WWE Official on WWE television, acting as an authority figure.
The new role has seen the former independent star flirt with getting back in the ring in a serious capacity, getting involved in matches with Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns. However, speaking to The Pro Wrestling Illustrated Podcast, Pearce says that a full-time return couldn’t be further from his mind.
“When it was first broached, I was like, ‘What?’ I haven’t been shy about the fact, in a personal sense, I have zero interest in being a full-time wrestler ever again in my life. Zero. Less than zero. Everything that is happening and has happened, has been ‘icing on the cake’ in a very real and literal sense. I’m having the time of my life doing this right now. I don’t have to do it to make a living anymore and it’s really gratifying to be in there with the very best in our profession. This is the cream of the crop and I get to apply my trade and match wits with these guys. I never thought that was going to happen. Whatever ends up happening is perfect and coming around full circle,”
Adam Pearce was last seen on Friday Night SmackDown where he made the decision to add Daniel Bryan to the WWE Universal Championship match at WrestleMania.
Following the announcement, the segment dissolved into chaos with Edge, Bryan and champion Roman Reigns all coming to blows.
H/t to Fightful for the transcription.